1. Choose a method that works for you.

There are many different types of to-do lists, so the trick is to find the one that works best for you. For example, some people prefer the physicality of paper, while others are more comfortable using one of the numerous online or smartphone to-do apps. Some people carry a notepad in their car, while others use their smartphone to record and check off tasks. Don’t fret if you’re not techno-savvy. The good old-fashioned paper method works just fine. Either way, decide which method works best for you and stick with it.

2. Prioritize.

Paula Rizzo, author of Listful Thinking: Using Lists to be More Productive, Highly Successful and Less Stressed, advises organizing your to-do list the night before. That way when you get to work in the morning, you can hit the ground running with your roadmap. List your projects in order of urgency and importance. That will enable you to use your time more efficiently, manage projects better and consistently meet deadlines.

For example, you can put items in different columns, use color coding and attach due dates to them. Categorize tasks by how long they will take to complete, then figure out which ones are most important and which ones can wait until later. Time management experts often advise doing the most challenging tasks first thing in the morning when you are at your peak of energy, intensity and focus.

3. Don’t bite off more than you can chew.

Break big projects down into smaller tasks. For example, when I wrote my first book, Business Class: Etiquette Essentials for Success at Work, I tackled a chapter at a time. Within each chapter, I focused on a section at a time. The more specific you get, the more likely you are to get more done. Remember, each task you complete brings you one step closer to finishing that big project.

4. Check items off.

There’s a gratifying feeling you get each time you cross an item off your to-do list. The bigger the task is, the more satisfaction you feel. As you get better at managing your to-do list, you’ll experience more satisfaction. When you check items off, don’t just delete them. Add them to a weekly or daily “accomplishment list” that documents all the tasks you’ve successfully completed. A long accomplishment list is evidence that you have mastered your to-do list, giving you the confidence to continue honing your productivity skills.

5. Celebrate your accomplishments.

Reward yourself for achieving your goals. This not only gives you something to look forward to, it energizes you to complete more tasks. Make the reward commensurate with the accomplishment. For instance, if you finish a report that takes a day to complete, you might go out and reward yourself with a sweet treat from the local bakery. If you complete a project you’ve relentlessly worked on for weeks, treat yourself to dinner at your favorite restaurant.

When you discover how effective the to-do list can be, you’ll start putting yours to good use. In turn, you’ll be amazed by how much you get done once you have a personalized productivity system in place.

Cited From: http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/248615

National Coffee Day – September 29, 2015

Today is National Coffee Day – The day we celebrate the beverage so many people love! Here are some quick fun facts about coffee you may not have known…but more importantly some local coffee deals as well! 

Did you know?

• Coffee is the world’s SECOND MOST valuable traded commodity – behind petroleum.
• You CAN overdose on coffee. However it would take over 100 cups to create a lethal dose.
• The name CAPPUCCINO comes from the resemblance to the clothing of Capuchin Monks.
• 54% of Americans drink coffee every day
• The two coffee strains are ARABICA and ROBUSTA. Cheaper coffees tend to be robusta and specialty coffee is arabica.
• Coffee stays warmer when you add cream. However adding milk also weakens the effects of caffeine
• The majority of coffee (40%) is produced in Brazil
• Coffee was discovered in Ethiopia around 800 A.D.
• Coffee beans AREN’T BEANS. They are fruit pits.
• Darker roast coffees have LESS caffeine than lighter roasts, even though the flavor is often stronger.

Here are some deals for you!

Kahwa Coffee:United Way Suncoast and Kahwa Coffee Roasting have joined forces to offer Bay area residents a FREE cup of java at all Kahwa Coffee locations in celebration of National Coffee Day on Sept. 29. From open to close, Kahwa Coffee patrons who say “I Live United” when they order will receive a FREE small coffee in honor of the organizations’ joint interest in creating a stronger, more vibrant community.

Starbucks: Starbucks is doing something a bit different for National Coffee Day. Instead of giving away free coffee to patrons, the national coffee chain will kick off Starbucks One Tree for Every Bag Commitment, a year-long campaign that gives customers the opportunity to help the farmers and families behind your morning cup of java.

Nature’s Food Patch: The Clearwater market & cafeis offering a complimentary organic and free trade cup of joe.

Dunkin’ Donuts: Free medium cup of Dunkin’ Donuts hot or iced dark roast coffee. The limit is one per guest, and is available at participating locations.

Peet’s Coffee & Tea:  Free small cup of Peet’s Major Dickason Blend with any purchase of a baked good, oatmeal or fresh food item.

WaWa: Free coffee in the size of your choice.

Krispy Kreme: Free small coffee and original glazed donut.

LaMar’s Donuts: Free 12-ounce cup of coffee and free mugs while supplies last.

Brought on by the Arts Alliance of St. Petersburg, Arts Alive Free Museum Day takes place this Saturday – 9/26th!! This is a great event to save your money & experience all the great art of our community! This is a once-a-year event, take advantage! No special ticket is needed.

The event runs from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm Saturday. 

Museums taking part of the event include:

• The Dali Museum, 1 Dali Blvd. • (Pinellas County residents only)
• Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum,  2240 Ninth Ave.
• St. Petersburg Museum of History, 335 Second Ave. N.E.
• Museum of Fine Arts, 255 Beach Dr. N.E.
• Florida Holocaust Museum, 55 Fifth St. S

Meeting on Tuesday, September 17th, 2015, the Women’s Council of Realtors Tampa discussed everything from the WHY to the HOW of Realtor® safety to assist in stopping crimes of opportunity. The Women’s Council of Realtors is a network of successful Realtors, advancing women as professionals and leaders in business, the industry, and the communities we serve. They had a joint meeting with CPAR, The Central Pasco Association Realtors®, along with IREP which is the association of Independent Real Estate Professionals. Our own Realtor®, Broker Associate, & International Real Estate Executive Theresa Lynn Collins, is the President of IREP. 

Theresa Lynn Collins “TLC” – IREP President – Realtor®, Broker Associate, & International Real Estate Executive

The meeting was a very influential one for our Realtors® in the community as it brought the best of them together. It is important in the Real Estate industry for our Realtors® to be well connected to make sure our Home Buyers, Sellers, & Renters have the best opportunity for their needs to be met. We appreciate Theresa Lynn Collins, “TLC”, for taking the initiative to be a part of such organizations which provide benefit to us all. The meeting on the 17th discussed & held other topics such as International Networking, Community Updates, WCR Elections as well as Safety & Security. 

This past weekend, our Executive Administrator Brittany Mitchell competed in the Old Salt Ladies Fishing Ladies Fishing Tournament. The species to fish for included…Red Grouper, Gag Grouper, Snapper, Amberjack, Sea Trout, Redfish, Flounder & Sheepshead. The first pay out was 1st Place – $500; 2nd Place – $300; 3rd Place – $200 (per species). It started out as an unpromising day with the rain & lightening that filled the skies, but it made for some beautiful views after the storm had passed & catching some fish was on its way…

A couple of Redfish, Snapper, & Flounder were caught…unfortunately one Flounder was lost at the last minute which lost Brittany a place in the ranks, but it was still a fun day out on the water fishing with friends for a good cause! 

7th Annual Florida Halloween Halfathon & 5K Race

Including Virtual Run Options

Saturday, October 31st, 2015  ~  Ft. Desoto Park

TRICKS: Costumes Encouraged

Create unique costumes in the spirit of this festive holiday, but ones that will not adversely affect your performance. Or simply wear mismatched uniforms. Or  orange and black

TREATS:

• Best Animal Costume 
• Funniest Costume
• Most Creative Costume
• Best Beauty – Princesses, Mermaids, Angels, etc.
• Best Celebrity – Actors, Elvis, Singers, Politicians, etc.
• Best Hero – Explorers, Firefighters, Military, Police, Superheroes, etc. 
• Best Villain – Thieves, Robbers, Pirates, etc.
• Best Couple – Cowboy & Indian, Cop & Robber, Batman & Robin, etc.
• Best Group – 3 or more similiarly costumed
• BEST OF RACE

Both courses are located entirely in Ft. De Soto Park, starting and finishing adjacent to the park’s North Beach, regularly recognized as one of the nation’s best beaches. These races will be run on paved access roads and recreational trails. They are extremely flat courses, with no bridges, overpasses, or discernible inclines. They are accurately measured and certified by the USATF. Both races start the same, with a 5K loop that returns athletes to the start/finish area. Post-race party begins as the 5K athletes arrive, while the Halfathoners will continue on the 10-mile out-and-back tour of Ft. De Soto Park. After you cross the finish line there is a fun post-race party including pasta, breakfast pastries, fruit, munchies and beer. There is live music for your entertainment. Citing a “spectacular combination of soft white sand, calm clear water, and a laid-back atmosphere,” TripAdvisory named Ft. De Soto Park America’s Top Beach, based on their Popularity Index. Ft. De Soto Park is regularly recognized on “best beach” lists. In 2005, Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, aka “Dr. Beach,” named Ft. De Soto the nation’s #1 Beach. 

THE perfect place to race, party, and relax.

Come! Join us for tricks, treats and the beach!

Point Brittany Condominium Furnished with a New Low Price… $1,795 2 Bedroom / 2 Bathroom located in the well desired neighborhood of Point Brittany.

Wonderful Furnished Condo Available from September 1st, 2015 – December 31st, 2015! Enjoy the breathtaking water views on the oversized balcony. Watch the sunrise in the morning and set in the evening from the HUGE balcony. This updated condo is a corner unit that you don’t want to miss. The kitchen features a very nice island with bar stools for your more casual dining. The Master bedroom will have a new King Sized Bed, while the second bedroom will have two new twin beds, so call your friends for a short visit to share and enjoy this paradise in the sunshine state. Linens, towels, kitchenware and accessories are in place for your convenience. Pack your suitcase and come to St. Pete, Florida. This age restricted (55+) and waterfront community is gated and features 24 hour security overseeing all four pools with the main pool just behind the water front clubhouse which has pool tables. Additional amenities include tennis courts, fitness center, and activity center, there is always something fun to do. There is a butcher shop, full service salon, and massage therapist located right in Point Brittany. The location is perfectly situated with easy access to the Gulf of Mexico Beaches, Fort De Soto Park, Pass-a-Grille and the Interstate. This wonderful location is close to shopping in St Pete, Sarasota, Clearwater and Tampa. You are only minutes to the Tampa International Airport (TIA) and also to the St Pete-Clearwater Airport (PIE) Life doesn’t get much better than this!

September is finally here, and another exciting event is happening in St. Pete! Thursday September 24th –  Sunday September 27th the St. Pete Food & Wine Festival will be happening in Downtown St. Pete. Celebrate amazing food prepared by some of the city’s best chefs, and tap into your love for wine and craft beer at the festival. The festival includes several ticket & event options: 

• PAIRINGS DINNER: Thursday, September 24, 7:00 – 10:00 PM (The Birchwood; 340 Beach Drive Northeast St, St Petersburg, FL 33701). An exquisite six-course dinner paired with specially selected estate wines. Chef Jason Cline of The Birchwood has created an incredible farm-to-table epicurean experience. Seating begins at 7:00pm in The Birchwood’s Grand Ballroom overlooking Beach Drive in downtown St. Petersburg. All net proceeds benefit the St. Petersburg Arts Alliance.

• BEER NIGHT ST. PETE: Friday, September 25*, 4:30 – 9:30 PM (North Straub Park, Downtown St. Pete). Located under elegant white tents in gorgeous, waterfront North Straub Park, Beer Night St. Pete is a craft beer enthusiasts’ dream. Featuring beer and cider selections from local, regional, and national breweries as well as all-inclusive food from area establishments, Beer Night is the perfect chance to experience first hand Tampa Bay’s emerging craft beer scene.

  4:30 PM    VIP Admission

  5:30 PM    General Admission

• GRAND TASTINGS: Saturday & Sunday, September 26-27*, 12:00 – 5:00 PM (North Straub Park, Downtown St. Pete). This signature event features both Saturday and Sunday afternoon sessions. Enjoy fine wines, sample fare from the area’s best restaurants and chefs, and take in free cooking demonstrations from local and world-renowned chefs. Indulge in great food, fine art and gourmet products at these refined, upscale grand tastings. One price provides access to an all-inclusive food and drink experience.

  12:00 PM    VIP Admission

  1:00 PM      General Admission

  2:00 – 2:45 PM    Chef Seminar

  3:00 – 3:45 PM    Chef Seminar

  4:00 – 4:45 PM    Chef Seminar

• The TRY WINE® Experience 4:00 – 8:00 PM (off-site event): This SPWFF TRY WINE® Experience will span a broad range of the World of Winemaking, all in one single event. Tasting will feature 10 rar, vintage, boutique, and/or high end cult wines, each with a very special and unique story to tell. Experience will feature one 1-ounce pour per person, per wine. Event located off-site and limited to 75 tickets.

Order Tickets Here 

 If living in Tierra Verde is something you have dreamed of, we have the perfect opportunity for you to view amazing homes on the Island & enjoy some wonderful food to start your Labor Day Weekend off right!